since the day I met you
and mispronounced your name
by mistake
filled with shame

since the day I went to your place
and sat indian style
on your clean carpet
and listened as you patiently explained

since the day you stopped me
in the hallway
asked me to play
asked me to celebrate

since the day my alarm woke us up
hung over and dry throated
intimate but arms-length away
and I saw you watching me

and some other days
some smiles some games
meals and passing ships
and waiting and waiting

I've considered this gamble
and raised